Dean served in the U.S. Naval Reserve with active duty from 1944 to 1946.

Dean was united in marriage to Ruth Elizabeth Flippo on October 17, 1948 in Abilene.  This union was blessed with two children, Catherine and Richard.

Dean was a farmer in Abilene for 21 years.  Dean was a hospital engineer in Abilene until 1970 when they moved to Topeka where he worked at the hospital.  He also worked for three years at Emporia State University in the maintenance department.  From 1976 to 1986 he worked at the Colby Hospital.  Dean and Elizabeth moved to the Russell area in June, 1986 where he was maintenance supervisor at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Dean was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church of Russell.  He also belonged to the Gideon’s for over 30 years.  He sang in the quartet at the Zion Brethren in Christ.  He enjoyed working with his hands, especially with wood and metal.  He could fix anything mechanical.

Surviving family include his wife Elizabeth of the home; daughter, Catherine Elliott and husband Richard of Waldo, Kansas; son, Richard Haffa and wife Sheryl of Goddard, Kansas; and four grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and adopted sister, Lucille Miller.